Method of manufacturing fastener stringers



June 18, 1935- L.. H. MORIN Er Ax.

METHCD OF MANUFACTURING FSTENER STRINGERS Filed Dec. "I, 1955 2 Shets-Sheet 1 A fau' ATT

June 18, 1935.

L H. MORIN Er Al.

METHOD OF MANUFACTURING FASTENER STRINGERS 2 Sheets-She'f,v 2 4 Filed Dec. 7, 1935 INV/ENTORS MV/5 mwN-5m Y a0/J MO/r//v ATTORNE Patented June 18, 1935 2,004,959 METHOD `013 MANUFACTURING FASTENEB STBINGEBS Louis n. Morin ma nava Mariam, New York.

N. Y., aasignors to Whitehall Patents Corporagoil.:i New York, N. Y., a corporation of New Application December "I, 1933, `Serial No. 701,290

This invention relates to the production of fastener stringers of what are known as separable fasteners, and particularly to a method of producing the stringers of fasteners of the class under consideration: and the object of the invention is to provide a method for forming devices of the class described which consists in casting or molding a.link onto a core disposed between adjacent surfaces of die parts employed for forming the link as well as upon a mounting strip or strand positioned between said die parts; a further object being to provide a method which consists in intermittently casting successive links on the mounting member and further in casting 'the successive links on a core which is used as a means for feeding links and the mounting member through the machine and further as a means of ejecting `the links from the dies and from which the links are stripped in the operation of spacing the links one from the other; a further object being to provide a method which includes the step of shearing or trimming the cast or molded link to remove the gate or other protruding body of thel casting; a still further object being to provide a method which includes means for maintaining predetermined temperature to the casting or molding material employed'as well as to heat the ejecting nozzle and the control of the temperature of such nozzle and still further, cooling the forming dies by the circulation of water therethrough and especially in the immediate ejection or discharge of the cooling water from the dies; and with these and other objects in View, the invention consists 4in a method of the class and for the purpose specified, which is more fully hereinafter described and claimed.

The invention described and claimed herein constitutes a continuation in part of the method described and claimed in application Serial Number 661,099, illed March 16, 1933 in which application the broad method claims of the invention" have been drawn and is fully disclosed in the following specication, of which the accompanying drawings from a part, in which the separate parts of the improvement are designated by suitable reference characters in' each of the views, and in which:

Fig. 1 is a diagrammatic sectional view illustrating parts of the apparatus for carrying the invention into effect.

Fig. 2 is a view similar to Fig. 1 showing a mcdication'.

Fig.,3isasectionalp1anviewontheline3$ of Fig. 1 on an enlarged scale with parts of the construction broken away and omitted.

Fig. 4 is a view similar to Fig. 3 with parts in a diilerent position and with parts omitted.

Fig. 5 is a view similar to Fig. 1 showing only a part of the construction and indicating another step in the operation of the machine.

Fig. 6 is a plan view of the structure shown" in Fig. 5 showing the position of the parts prior to removing the core from a ,finished casting.

Fig. 'I is a face view of the structure shown in Fig. 6 with parts, broken away and in section.

Fig. 8 is a view similar to Fig. 5showing the step of trimming a preformed casting and the -operation of forming another casting; an'd,

Fig. 9 is a face view of apart of a stringer made according to the method with part of the construction broken away.

For the purpose of diagrammatically illustrating the invention, we have shown in Fig.. 1 of the drawings parts of an apparatus more completely shown and described in application Serial Number 691,934, heretofore referred to. The elements of the apparatus performing the steps of thermethod are diagrammatically illustrated. for the sake of clear understanding.

In said figure, I0 represents a casing in which is disposed a pot or container I I for the molding material I2 to be used in forming the moldings or castings. Where required, the material I2 is maintained at the desired temperature by electrical or other suitable heating means I3. The temperature is automatically controlled by a temperature control tube or device Il in circuit with a pyrometer I5, the latter being also in circuit Withthe electric heating means I3. The pot or container II includes a gooseneck discharge Ila with which is coupled a discharge nozzle I6 and the bottom of the gooseneck IIa communicates with a plunger cylinder IIb in which is disposed a plunger Il for forcing the material I2 out through the nozzle I6, the material I2 entering the cylinder IIb 'and gooseneck I Ia through a passage IIc. With this construction, the material I2 may be forced under pressure into the mold chamber I8 of two die parts I9, I9a.

The die parts I9, I9a are movable toward and from each other by suitable means forming no part of this invention, andupon one. edge portion ot a mounting tape or strand disposed between the die parts, the latter entering the lower chamber I8 of the die partsto facilitate the molding or casting of the link or element 2i on that part of the strip 20 disposed within the vdicated in Fig.

mold chamber I8. At 22 is shown a core member which is positioned between the die parts I9, I9`a and enters the mold chamber I8 so that the link or element 2| is molded or cast thereon. A core member 22 forms a means for permit-` ting the ejection of the cast or molded element 2| from the die parts when separated as is in- 4 of the drawings and also as a means for feeding the formed element 2I including the mounting strip 20 so as to properly space the elements 2I one with respect to the other on the strip 20, the core being removed from the formed element by upward movement of the core when the element engages the lower surfaces I9b of the die parts as indicated in Figs. 5 and 'l of the drawings and also represented in Fig. 6 of the drawings. As will be seenl in Fig. 1 of the drawings, a heating element 23 of the electrical type is disposed on the nozzle I5 to maintain the proper temperature to said nozzle to avoid any possible congestion of the material I2 therein. trol 23a. is in circuit with the element 23 to control the temperature thereof. v

lAt 24 is indicated a shearing or trimming blade which is adapted to trim off the gate 2Ia of the links or elements 2l when the same arev positioned beneath the die parts I9,` I9a as indicated in Fig. 8 of the drawings. At this time, it will be understood that the dies I9, I9a or'the mold chamber I8 thereof are of such contour as to form on the links projecting knobs or beads 2lb at one side thereof, whereas the other die part or core member 22 forms at the opposite side of each link a recess 2Ic, note Fig. 8 of the drawings, the latter receiving the bead or knob 2Ib of an opposed Stringer in coupling-the strings together as is common in other (vices of this class.

I8 be so fashioned as to produce rounded edges or corners to the resulting linksas is clearly illustrated in the drawings, and it will also be apparent that any design or ornamentation may be applied to the links for purposes of characterization and any form of projecting members and recesses forming the interlocking portions of the elements may be provided. At this time,

`it is also well to bear in mind that in casting the links on the mounting member 20 and when the latter is composed of fibrous material, the casting or molding material employed will penetrate the interstices of the tape or member 28 securely supporting the same thereon and against displacement therefrom.

. It will appear from the drawings that the outer surface-Ia of the nozzle I6 is flat and suiciently wide to at all times engage the surfaces of the die parts I9, I9a, note Fig. 4 of the drawings, and a plunger 25 actuated by a spring 26, note Fig. 1, serves to at all times support the nozzle I6 in engagement with the die parts, it being understood that the entire casing I0 is free to move in its support, it being understood that the tension of the spring. 26 will be suicienf; to maintain the surface Ilia of the nozzle in firm engagement with the die parts in the asting operation to avoid anyV possible flash between such surfaces.

e In Fig. 2 of the drawings, I have shown a slight modification which deals solely with the construction of the container for the casting of molding material and the method of injecting the same into the mold chamber of the die. In this figure, 21 represents a pot or container A rheostat or other conintake pipes 38 and It is also preferred that the mold chamberV -ployed, note Fig. 1, to

having a gooseneck discharge 21a, similar in all respects to thedischarge IIa, and substituted for the cylinder IIb is a large cylinder or pres- 'sure chamber 21h having a removable cap 28- controlling the admission of the casting or molding material 29v into the chamber 21h, the cap 28 being preferably retained against displacement by a pressure screw 38 supported in a hook-shaped bracket 3|.' Communicating` with the upper end of theA chamber 21h is ,a pipe 32 which extends to and is in communication with a pressure chamber 33 through a passage 34. A plunger or piston 35 is mounted to reciprocate in the chamber 33, the latter having a bore 35 at one side thereof for admitting and exhausting air with respect to the chamber 33. In the operation of this form of construction, when it is desired to discharge the material 29 from the pot 21 through the mold chamber I 8 of the'die parts, the piston or, plunger 35 is moved downwardly as seen in Fig. 2 of the drawings to compress the air in the chamber 33 as Well as the chamber 21h sufllciently to force the material 29 into the mold chamber I8, it being understood that the respective areas of the chambers 33 and 21h and the method of actuating the plunger 35 will be designed to satisfy the pressure requirements for the different types and kinds of casting materials employed as well asto satisfy the requirements of the particular casting to be formed thereby. The other elements of the construction shown in Fig. 2 of the drawings are similar to those shown in Fig. 1, and like references will represent like parts.

The die parts I9, I9a are made hollow in Fig.. 3 of 4the drawings or have water circulating chambers 31 therein with which communicate exhaust pipes 39. In Figs. 1 and 2 of the drawings, I have indicated at 48 the feed drum for feeding the mounting strip or tape 28 to space one set of the links 2I from another set thereof to form the spacing note Flg. 9 of the drawings. In this connection, it will also be noted that suitable gripping or friction means 4I is also emsupport the tape 20 after the core 22 has been removed from the forming link while the die parts are still in open position.

The method of producing fasteners of the type under consideration will be readily understood from the diagrammatic illustration of the machine elements disclosed and the following statement. After the casting or molding material I2, 29 is heated to the desired temperature, a mounting strip or strand 20 is supported between adjacent surfaces of the die parts I9, I9a, in such position as to enter recesses 20a in the die parts and so as to dispose the beaded or enlarged edge 28h of the strip 20 and an adjacent portion thereof within the mold chamber I8 formed between the die parts, it being understood that the nozzle I6 is always in abutting engagement with the die parts I9 even in their separated position as indicated in Fig. 4. The die parts are now brought together into firm engagement with each other and with that part of the strip 20 disposed therebetween and with the core 22 which also extends intothe mold chamber I8. When in this position, the casting material I2, 29 is forced by a suitable pressure element into the mold chamber I8 to form one of the links 2l upon the beaded edge 20h of the strip 20 and upon that portion of the core Adie parts are now separated, the core acting as means for ejecting the cast or molded link 2| from the die parts and also as a means for sup porting and feeding the formed link. The next step consists in moving the core including the formed link downwardly into the position indicated in Fig. 5, after which the-die parts I8, Ia are brought together to a slight extent as indicated in Fig. 6, with the lower.

surfaces of said parts upon the upper surface of the link as viewed in Fig. '7, and the core 22 is now removed from the formed link 2| by upward movement thereof in the manner indicated in Fig. 7, leaving the link 2| released from the core in a deflnitelyspaced relation with respect to the mold chamber I8 of the die parts to accurately space the links 2| longitudinally of the tape 20. 'Ihe die parts I9, Isa are again returned to the closed position indicated in Figs. 1, 2 and 3 of the drawings, and another or' next adjacent link is cast in the manner above set out. In this operation, the gate 2Ia of the previously formed link is severed by the knife or trimming tool 24 in the manner indicated in Fig. 8 of the drawings.

These operations continue until a predetermined number of links are disposed upon the edge of the tape to define a definite or predetermined stringer length after which a suitable feed wheel 40 is brought into operation to feed the tape 20 so as to provide a wide spacing on the tape as at Fig. 9, to space the Stringer lengths or groups one from the other whereby the strip 20 maybe served intermediate the groups to form the independent stringers as will be apparent.

In the above operations of casting the links upon' the tape or mounting strip 20, it will be understood that when this strip is composed of fibrous or similar material, the molding or casting material will penetrate through or into the fibres or through the interstices of the braid when a braided or woven tape is employed to securely retain and anchor the links thereon. It will also be understood that during the steps of casting or molding the links upon the tape, water or other cooling fluid is circulated through the die parts I9, I 9a by introduction through the pipes 38 and immediately discharged through the pipes 39, the latter being heated adjacent the mold chambers as is also the chambers 3l for the circulating agent. This will prevent any possible overheating of the dies, and will also eliminate any tendency of burning or charring the mounting strip 20, especially when composed of fibrous material.

In this connection, ,it will also be apparent that at no time does the strip 20 remain between the die parts for any appreciable` length of time, and it is also a well known fact that the heat of the casting material will be immediately absorbed by the metal die parts I9, I9a. However, should the temperature of the casting or molding material employed be excessively high,

' the strip 20 may be treated with a fire or ame proong compound to avoid any possible injury thereto. i

It is within the scope of the method herein disclosed that different types of casting or molding materials may 'be employed, such for ex-V ample, as various kinds and classes of metals or metal alloys which would be suitable for the purpose herein intended, and which will depend to some degree upon the type or character ofthe mounting strip or member employed, and at thesame time, it will appear that thermoplastics capable of being molded or cast in' accordance with the method herein set forth can also be employed.

It will be apaprent that the invention is not necessarily limited to the specific form of coupling links herein disclosed, nor in fact to the formation of the particular type and kind of devices herein illustrated, and various other changes in and modifications of the method herein disclosed may be made within the scope of the appended claims without departing from the spirit of the invention or sacrificing its ad- Avantages.

' Having fully described our invention, what we claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is: Y

l. The herein described method of forming separable fasteners which consists in arranging a core member and mounting strip between adjacent surfaces of opposed die parts with portions of said member and strip within the.

mold chamber thereof .and in spaced relation to each other, supporting a discharge nozzle in engagement with the die parts, discharging molding materialthrough said nozzle and a passage arranged between the die parts into the mold chamber under the action of a pressure element to form a coupling element on that part of the strip and core Within the chamber of said die parts with a gate on said coupling element formed by said passage, and feeding the formed coupling element andstrip by said core member to position said strip for the next successive element to be formed thereon and then removing the core from vsaid element.

2. The herein described method of forming separable fasteners which consists in arranging a core member and mounting strip between adjacent surfaces of opposed die parts with portions of said member and strip within the mold chamber thereofand in spaced relation to each other, supporting a discharge nozzle in engagement with the, die parts, discharging molding material through said nozzle and a passage arranged between the die parts into the mold chamber under the action of a pressure element to form a coupling element on that part of the strip and core within the chamber of said die parts with a gate on said coupling element formed by said passage, feeding the formed coupling element and strip by said core member to position said strip for the next successive element to be formed thereon, then removing the core from said element, and then trimming the coupling element to remove the gate therefrom.

3. The herein described method of forming separable fasteners which consists in arranging a core member and mounting strip between adjacent surfaces of opposed die parts with portions of said member and strip within the mold chamber thereof and in spaced relation to each other, supporting a discharge nozzle in engagement with the die parts, discharging molding material through said nozzle and a passage arranged between the die parts into the mold chamber under the action of a pressure element to form a coupling element on that part of the strip and core within the chamber of said die parts with a gate on said coupling element formed by said passage, feeding the formed coupling element and strip by said core member' to positionsaid strip for the next successive element to be'formed thereon, then removing and through the the core from said element, then trimming, the coupling element to remove the gate therefrom, and circulating cooling fluid into and through the die parts with the discharge of the fluid arranged adjacent the mold chamber thereof.

4. The herein described method of forming separable fasteners which consists in arranging a core member and mounting strip between adjacent portions of said member and strip within the mold chamber thereof and in spaced relation to each other, supporting a discharge nozzle in engagement with the die parts, discharging molding material through said nozzle and a passage arranged between the die parts into the mold chamber under the action of a pressure element to form a coupling element on that part of the strip and core within the chamber of said die parts with a gate on said coupling element formed by said passage, feeding the formed coupling element and strip by said core member' to position said strip for the next successive element to be formed thereon, then removing the core from said element, then trimming thecoupling element to remove the gate therefrom, circulating cooling fluid into die parts with the discharge of the fluid arranged adjacent the mold chamber thereof, and intermittently feeding the mounting strip to space the coupling elements in groups thereon to form predetermined Stringer lengths.

5. The herein described method of forming separable fasteners which consists in arranging a core member and` mounting strip between adjacentsurfaces of opposed die parts with portions of said member and strip within the mold chamber thereof and in spaced relation to each other, supporting a discharge nozzle in engagement with the die parts, discharging molding material through said nozzle and a passage arranged between the die parts into the mold chamber under the action of a pressure element to form a coupling element on that part of the strip and core within the chamber of said die parts with a gate on said coupling element formed by said passage, feeding the formed coupling element and strip by said core member to position said strip for the next successive element to be formed thereon, then removing the core from said element, then trimming the coupling element to remove the gate therefrom, circulating cooling fluid into and through the die parts with the discharge of the fluid ar; ranged adjacent the mold chamber thereof, heating the molding material and said nozzle, and automatically controlling the temperature of said molding material.

6. The method of manufacturing separable fastener devices having a plurality of coupling elements arranged and spaced longitudinally of one edge of a supporting body which comprises moving single impression dies for successively molding each of the coupling elements toward and from each other and opposed sides of said body and a core member disposed therebetween with the body -and core member arranged in spaced relation said dies, supporting a discharge nozzle under pressure in constant engagement with said dies and then discharging under pressure from said nozzle into the dies to form therein a coupling element disposed on said body and member.

7. The method of manufacturing separable surfaces of opposed die parts with' with respect to each other inV heated molding material fastener devices having a plurality of coupling elements arranged and spaced longitudinally of one edge of a supporting body which rcomprises moving single impression dies for successively molding each of the coupling elements toward and from each other and opposed sides of said body and a core member disposed therebetween with the body and core member arranged in spaced relation with respect to 'each other in said dies, supporting a discharge nozzle'under pressure in constant engagement with said dies and then discharging heated` molding material under' pressure from said nozzle into the dies to form therein a coupling element disposed on said body and member, heating the molding material in a supply receptacle and in its passage through said nozzle, and circulating a cooling agent through the dies adjacent the coupling element formed therein.

8. The method of manufacturing separable fastener devices having a plurality of coupling elements arranged and spaced longitudinally of one edge of a supporting body which comprises moving single impression dies for successively molding each of the coupling elements toward and from each other and opposed sides of said body and a core member disposed therebetween with the body and core member arranged in` spaced relation with respect to each other in said dies, supporting a discharge nozzle under pressure in constant engagement with said dies and then discharging heated molding material under pressure fromnsaid nozzle into the dies to form therein a coupling element disposed on said body and member, and intermittently feeding said body to space the coupling elements in groups thereon.

9. The method of manufacturing a fastener device comprising an elongated supporting body having a plurality of coupling elements arranged and spaced longitudinally of one edge of said body with the coupling parts of said elements protruding beyond said edge, which consists in moving dies for successively molding each of the coupling elements toward and from opposite sides of said supporting body, a. forming member disposed therebetween with portions of said member and body arranged r within the mold chamber of the dies, supporting a discharge nozzle for the molding material under pressure in engagement 'with outer surfaces of the dies, then injecting molding material through said nozzle into the mold chamber of the dies to form therein a coupling element disposed on said body ,and member, separating the dies to eject the coupling 'element therefrom by said forming member and utilizing said forming member as a feeding and spacing means for intermittently spacing the supporting body to receive a successive series of coupling elements.

10. The method of manufacturing a fastener device comprising an elongated supporting body having a plurality of coupling elements arranged and spaced longitudinally of one edge of said body with the coupling parts of said elements protruding beyond said edge, which consists inmoving dies for successively molding each of the coupling elements toward and from opposite sides of said supporting body, a forming member disposed therebetween with portions of said member and body arranged within the mold chamber of the dies, supporting a discharge nozzle for the molding material under accesso;

pressure in the dies,

through said nozzle into the mold chamber ofthe dies to form therein a coupling element disposed on said body and member, separating the dies to eject the coupling element therefrom by said forming member and utilizing said forming member as a ,feeding and spacing means for intermittently spacing the supporting body to receive a successive series of coupling elements, the formed coupling elements including gate portions, and severing the gate portions from said elements to produce iinished elements on said body.

11. The method of manufacturing a fastener device comprising an elongated supporting body having a pluralityl of coupling elements arranged and spaced longitudinally of one edge of said body with the coupling parts of said ele- 'ments protruding beyond said edge, which comprises moving dies for successively molding each of the coupling elements toward and from opposite sides of said supporting body, a form member disposed therebetween with portions of said member and body arranged within the mold chamber of the dies, pressure Vfeeding heated molding material into the mold chamber of the dies while maintaining said dies in abutting relation under pressure, introducing a cooling agent into the dies at a point adjacent the mold chamber and immediately ejecting said cooling agent laterally through the dies adjacent said mold chamber,

l2. The method of manufacturing a fastener device comprising an elongated supporting body having a plurality of coupling elements arranged and spaced longitudinally of one edge of said body with the coupling parts of said elements protruding beyond said edge; which comprises moving dies for successively molding each of the coupling elements toward and from opposite sidesl of said supporting body, a form member disposed therebetween with portions of said member and body arranged within the mold chamber of the dies, pressure feeding heated molding material into the mold chamber of the dies while maintaining said dies in abutting relation under pressure to form on said body a coupling element including a gate portion, moving the formed coupling element out of alinement with the mold chamber of the die, and severing the gate from the formed element to produce on said body a finished coupling element.

13. The herein described method of forming a successive series of independent castings on one edge portion of a mounting body, which comprises moving die parts toward and from opposed sides of said body, supporting said dies firmly in abutting relation to each other and-to said body with a portion of said body disposed within the mold chamber of said dies, injecting heated casting material into the mold chamber of the dies under pressure to form on that part of the body within said mold chamber a casting including a gate portion, separating the dies to eject the casting therefrom, then feedingthe casting and said body transversely with respect to the movement of the dies to position another portion of the body between the dies to receive the next successive casting, and trimmingthe gate from the casting to form a finished element on said body. Y

14. The herein described method of forming a successive series of independent castings on one edge portion of'a mounting body, which comprises moving die 'parts toward and from opposed sides of said body, supporting said dies rmly in abutting relation to each other and to said body with a portion of said body disposed within the mold chamber of said dies, injecting heated casting material into the mold chamber of the dies under pressure to form on,

that part of the body within said mold chamber a casting including a gate portion, separating the dies to eject the casting therefrom, then. feeding the casting and'said body transversely with respect to the movement of the dies to position another portion of the body between the dies to receive the next successive casting, trimming the gate from the casting to form a finished element on said body, forming the casting on a core member, part of which is disposed within the mold chamber of the dies, and utilizing said core member as an electing, feed and spacing means.

15. The herein described method of forming a successive series of independent castings which consists in moving die parts toward and from each other and a core member disposed therebetween and extending partially into the impression formed between abutting surfaces of the die parts, supporting the die parts in closed position under pressure, iirmly supporting a nozzle in constant engagement with the dies, introducing heated molding material under pressure into the mold chamber of the dies through said nozzle to form a Single casting on said core, separating the die parts to leave the casting supported on' the core, and then moving the core to feed the casting out of alinement l with the dies and to` eject the casting from said core.

16. The herein described method of forming a successive series of independent castings which consists in moving die parts toward and from each otheri and a core member disposed therebetween and extending partially into the impressioni formed between abutting surfaces of the die parts, supporting the die parts in closed position under pressure, rmly supporting a nozzle in constant engagement with the dies, introducing heated molding material under pressure into the mold chamber of the so dies through said nozzle to form a single casting on said core, separating the die parts to leave the casting supported on the core, then moving the core to feed the casting out of alinement with the dies and to eject the casting from said core, each casting including a gate portion and trimming. the casing to remove the gate portion therefrom.

17. The herein described method of forming a successive series of independent castings in spaced relation longitudinally of a mounting member which comprises moving die parts toward and from each other and relatively -to said member to dispose a` part of said member within the mold chamber of the dies, supporting said ides in closed position under pressure, firmly supporting a nozzle in constant engagement with the dies, introducing heated molding material under pressure into the mold chamber of said dies through said nozzle, electrically heating the molding material and automatically maintaining a substantially xed temperature to said material by electrically controlled means.

18. The herein described method of forming a successive series of independent castings in said member to dispose a part of said member' within the mold chamber of the dies, supporting said dies in closed position under pressure, rmly supporting a nozzle in constant engagement with the dies, introducing heated molding material under pressure into the mold chamber 10 of said dies through said nozzle, electrically heating the molding material and automatically maintaining a substantially xed temperature to said material by electrically controlled means, independently-heating the vnozzle to maintain the molding material therein in fluid condition. and introducing a cooling agent into the dies and discharging the same laterally through the dies adjacent the mold chamber therein.

LOUIS H. MORIN. DAVIS MARINSKY. 

